Remembering 2014’s great flood, Kelantan firefighters prepare for another big test

The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) is drawing on its experience in handling the massive 2014 floods to strengthen its preparedness for potential extreme disasters in the state. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 09 Nov 2026 10:10 AM MYT

KOTA BHARU, Nov 9 — The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) is drawing on its experience in handling the massive 2014 floods to strengthen its preparedness for potential extreme disasters in the state, said its director, Farhan Sufyan Borhan.

He said the extraordinary scale of the 2014 floods, which affected vast areas of the state, posed significant challenges to rescue operations.

“Despite having a service continuity plan to ensure fire stations remain operational even when flooded, the scale of the 2014 disaster exceeded the state’s capacity to respond using its own resources.

“At the time, we were also affected by the floods, and our only option was to accept assistance from other states,” he told Bernama recently.

He said such situations underscored the importance of assistance from other states, particularly in terms of personnel and assets, to ensure rescue operations could continue when disasters exceeded the capacity of state agencies.

Farhan Sufyan said the proposed establishment of a regional forward base was among the measures being considered to strengthen response capabilities in the event of another major flood.

Meanwhile, he said the first one to six hours following a disaster were often the most challenging for rescue agencies, as operations had yet to be fully coordinated.

He said that the early stages of a disaster were often chaotic, with a surge in emergency calls requiring the deployment of personnel and assets to affected areas.

Farhan Sufyan said such situations were common in disaster management, particularly during floods, but advance planning and training could help minimise disruption during the initial response phase.

“Coordination among rescue agencies is also crucial to ensuring a swift response and avoiding duplication of efforts,” he said.

Farhan Sufyan also emphasised the need for continuous inter-agency cooperation, training and discussions to ensure all parties understood their respective roles during emergencies.

He added that such preparedness was crucial to ensuring more coordinated rescue operations, particularly during widespread flooding.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued an alert-level continuous rain warning for several areas in Kelantan, Pahang and Sabah, as well as the whole of Terengganu, valid until Wednesday.

In a statement, MetMalaysia said the warning covered Tanah Merah, Pasir Mas, Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Machang, Bachok, Pasir Puteh, Kuala Krai and Jeli in Kelantan.

Following the continuous rain warning, the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (PRABN) of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) warned of possible flooding in nine districts in Kelantan from today until Wednesday. — Bernama